923 Southard St - Key West - Florida

I am truly surprised that the super-cute Conch Cottage located at 923 Southard Street in Old Town Key West has not sold yet.  I thought it would get snapped up in a flash. The original cigar maker's style cottage was built circa 1889. I found an old photo that shows pretty much the original structure as it appeared 50 years ago (see the black and white photo below). If you look carefully you can see traditional clapboard siding at the front but board and batten siding (vertical siding) on the side.  You also will see a "sawtooth" addition at the rear. I suspect that was the kitchen at that time. A later owner expanded that space to include a second floor addition.  The resultant house today has 1476 sq ft of living space on a large 2675 sq ft (approximately 27' x 100') lot located in the heart to Old Town.  The listing Realtor describes this pretty as can be property as:

"The entrance under an arch of bougainvillea into this winsome two-story shotgun cottage has been the subject of many photographers and artists. Colorful and light-filled, with Dade County pine walls and floors, this home is the perfect retreat in the heart of Old Town. Both bedrooms are upstairs, separated by a hallway with skylights, closets and a nook; step out of the bright master suite onto the deck overlooking your tropical paradise, landscaped and fenced for ultimate privacy, with a bougainvillea-roofed lanai, outdoor shower, plunge pool and bodega. This home is a real treat."

Today the cigar maker's cottage rests behind a picturesque white picket fence and trellis that frames the house.  The front porch provides the perfect perch for people walking.  Inside, you are greeted by a traditional hallway that leads to the rear with various rooms located opposite.

The front room is used by the current owner as an office. The second room is probably best described as the living room but a new owner could easily convert this space to a ground level bedroom because there is a full bath immediately adjacent. 

The cheerful kitchen and dining area at the rear. French doors open out to a covered rear deck that looks out to the dip pool. It is, however, the expansive rear yard with flowering trees and orchids that beckons "Look at me!" I have shown this home several times and each time I fall in love with the space again. I could hear birds singing from every direction. I could not get enough of this glorious space.

Two bedrooms and another bath are located on the second floor. Sometimes in our older houses bedroom spaces are super cramped. I don't think that is the case here. I found both bedrooms to be quite adequate.  As the listing Realtor points out, the bedrooms are separated by a spacious hallway that separates the two bedrooms. Rustic beams accent this space.  The rear bedroom has a deck that overlooks the tropical garden and pool below. The deck is totally private. It would be the perfect place to get that all-over Key West tan.

A table for two is located on the rear deck. It provides another perfect perch for viewing the garden.  I sat there as my buyers and the listing agent discussed the house. My eyes darted from tree to tree and flowering tropical plant to orchids hanging in trees. The peace and quiet of this delightful garden was disturbed only by the warbling of song birds and the whirl of the pool. CLICK HERE to view more photos I took of this pretty property in paradise.

Frequent visitors to Key West will recognize the value of this location which is across the street and down a few houses from Five Brothers Deli. Mangia Mangia and Michael's are located less than a block to the west. Duval Street is just four blocks west and the Historic Key West Seaport is four blocks to the north.  You can walk to just about anyplace important in Key West in about ten minutes or less  I think this property would make a great vacation rental. You could not ask for a more picturesque setting in which to spend a few weeks to recuperate from living in urban madness or suburban sprawl. 

Let me tell you this. There is nothing so pleasing as to be able to walk out your front door with your dog, your mate, or your best friends and being able to take a stroll to places others dream about all year long. When you live in Key West you are living the dream.  People work in tedious jobs and get a couple of weeks vacation each year. Some spend hundreds and most spend thousands of dollars to come here for a few days (or weeks) of rest and relaxation.  I know I take it for granted a lot of the time. But I never forget that I am where I want to be forever.
 

923 Southard Street is offered at $795,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet and to view listing photos. Better yet, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to arrange a private showing for you. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc.  This house is exactly what so many potential second home buyers seek in a Key West home. 

912 Windsor Lane - Old Town - Key West - Bank Owned

The new listing at 912 Windsor Lane will be under contract within a couple of days because it has so many of the features many second home buyers look for in a potential Key West property including three bedrooms, two baths plus a half bath, vaulted ceiling in the living area, a private pool, and off street parking. You would never guess this house would have a pool or parking if you view it from the street. But it and the other similar old Conch cottages on Windsor Lane share a common entrance off Olivia Street where owners enter their homes from the rear instead of from Windsor Lane.


The house is a comfortable 1342 sq ft of living space that sits on a 26' x 100' lot. A previous listing of this property described the house this way: "Totally private Key West indoor/outdoor living space behind a historic facade. Open kitchen/great room with French doors opening to a deck with both sun and shade."

Pool photos from prior mls listing

As I recall this place will need some fix-up. And I am confident the pool and property do not look as good today as they did when the above photos of the pool and rear yard were taken. Pools and yards can be cleaned. Repairs can be made and broken things can be fixed or replaced. Having a pool in place and parking in such a great location is worthy of serious consideration.

St. Mary's Catholic Church is located up at the corner of Windsor Lane at Truman Avenue. Duval Street is just a four three block walk walk to the west. There are numerous gyms, yoga studios, and neighborhood shops and services within a few blocks of this location. But it is the nearness to all of the Old Town area that makes this location so very appealing.

912 Windsor Lane is Bank Owned and offered for sale at the asking price of $299,900. If you are interested in seeing this property or any other property in Key West, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

Delightful Key West Conch Cottage - 813 Frances Street

Just listed the delightful Key West Conch Cottage located at 813 Frances Street is the ideal home everyone longs for. This 1450 sq ft home has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living area that opens onto the pool and tiki hut plus off street parking. The master suite is on the first floor. There is even one of those Key West step-through showers to the pool. This home is listed at $995,000 or $686 per sq ft. The listing Realtor describes this cottage home this way:

"Elegant and beautiful historic home on one of the most desirable streets in Old Town Key West. Bright and airy rooms with open floor plan from kitchen to spacious family room overlooking tropical yard and pool. Home to a champion Lingum Vitae tree and other tropical flora, the yard is private and lush and boasts a cozy outdoor covered lanai. Hardwood floors, downstairs master bedroom, chef's kitchen including gas cooktop and stainless steel appliances. Off-street parking and wonderful front porch add to this Key West Historic Gem in the Heart of Old Town Key West.

This property is located directly across the street from the Key West cemetery. So there will be some fraidy cats who will not even consider this charming house. What a pity! Aside from the fact that the "neighbors" are exceedingly quiet, there is no parking on the opposite side of the street. The City of Key West erected new six foot wrought iron fences around the cemetery just a few years ago. So all that is inside is visible from the outside. Yes, you will have killer views of the graves and tombs. But you also see the green grass, trees, and walkways. You get to see the vast Key West sky and watch it as it changes. Trust me on this. There are no vampires and no ghouls will creep into your house. But you will see the amazing Key West sky as it changes and you can sit on your front porch like folks did in the olden days and watch neighbors walking their dogs and tourists pedaling past on their bikes.

The house is a five or six minute walk to Duval and perhaps four minutes to the Historic Seaport. Jose's Cantina is two blocks to the east, The Coffee Mill a block to the southeast, Old Town gym a block directly south, and the Citgo gas station at the Corner of Truman and White where you can buy the best fried chicken in town at Dion's Quick Mart.

CLICK HERE to read more about this house and to view photos. Better yet, call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a showing. There just are not that many single family homes in Old Town priced under $1,000,000. This delightful conch cottage may sell pretty quickly. Don't get spooked by the location and pass up a real buying opportunity. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. Our office is the Exclusive Lower Florida Keys affiliate of Christie's Great Estates.

Maybe the present owner is trying to tell the denizens across the street something...

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Wanna Buy a Painted Lady?

San Francisco isn't the only place with Chic Chicks, Painted Ladies that is. Key West has its own Painted Ladies. They hold court nightly under the street lamps on Truman Avenue between Duval Street and Whitehead Street. By coincidence, happenstance, or whatever, two of the old dames are now offered for sale.

409 Truman Avenue is located right at the corner of Whitehead and Truman. This very unique property is located one block from the Hemingway House. Three Bedrooms and three bath Conch house with central air and off street parking. The house is 1790 square feet and sits on a large 3918 sq ft lot. CLICK HERE to read more detailed information on the house but especially to see the quality photos of the house and lot. There is room for a pool! What'smore, the listing agent told me the seller is motivated to sell. 409 Truman has been reduced from $900,000 to $750,000 or $419 per sq ft. It's worth a look.

411 Truman Avenue is just next door. It is half the size of the house at 409 Truman, or just 800 sq ft. It is offered at $425,000 or $531 per sq ft. For that price you get a two bedroom one bath abode with off street parking. It offers a sunny loft with treetop view, newly remodeled kitchen, Corian counters, stainless steel appliances, fresh paint, impact windows and central AC. No room for a pool, however. CLICK HERE for more info and pics of 411 Truman.

If you would like to see either of these painted ladies (or any other property in Key West) please call me,Gary Thomas, 305.766.2642 or e-mail me at kw1101v@aol.com. One very positive feature of owning either of these homes is the fact that neither you nor your guests will ever get lost and be unable to find your way from home. Everybody in Key West knows where the Painted Ladies are--under the street lamps on Truman.

You do the Math - Key West Potential Deals

I thought it would be interesting to let the readers compare two similar yet dissimilar houses for sale. Both houses are often referred to as cigar maker cottages or shotgun houses. Some people call them Conch Cottages. Call them what you want. Both houses are for sale and here are the details that may make them attractive to you.

1216 White Street is located about five blocks from the Atlantic Ocean. It is a Bank Owned house listed for sale at $344,900 or just $262 per sq ft. CLICK HERE for more photos and detailed information provided by the listing Realtor. I've shown this house several times in recent weeks and I think this could make a great project for someone who doesn't mind spending some time and money turning this place into a little gem. Here's why: I am assuming the prior owner did the upgrades or improvements that exist on the house. They are not complete. The kitchen needs to be replaced and the floors need to be repaired. Some piers probably need replace, but those are things your home inspector and contractor can tell you what needs to be done. To me, those issues are "givens". But what makes 1216 White so appealing is the huge yard on the side and rear. I'm talking about the potential to create a really beautiful pool and garden area. Now, there appears to have been off-street parking where the current boarded up garage exists. There is a new sidewalk with no curb cut. But there may be photographs or city records that would give a buyer the right to get that curb cut put back in place. All of a sudden, that ugly little shack comes down and a new covered off-street covered canopy goes up. Beyond that is a fence protecting the gardens and pool beyond.

217 Truman Avenue is located in Bahama Village just west of the Key West Lighthouse. CLICK HERE to read more information and checkout the killer photos of this lovely house just two blocks from upper Duval Street. 217 Truman is priced at $599,000 or $586 per sq. ft. 217 Truman is "done" whereas 1216 White is "a fixer-upper". But both are priced in the price range acceptable to many second home buyers looking for a place in Key West. 217 Truman has less square feet than 1216 White, but White Street needs to complete the renovation.

Both properties are on streets that get a lot of traffic during the daytime. That is why I chose these two for comparison purposes. The view of the Historic Lighthouse, that sweet little pool, and the convenient walk to Duval Street should make a lot of potential buyers want to consider Truman. And the potential to create a very large pool and garden close might attract a buyer who wants a place close to the beach. Most houses in the Casa Marina area are still selling for over a million bucks. This place is about one block outside the Casa Marina area, but it is priced about $650,000 less because of its condition and location. You do the math on either house.

If you are looking to purchase a home in Key West, please consider calling me, Gary Thomas at 305-766-2642. I am a full time Realtor at Prederred Properties Coastal Realty Inc at 520 Southard Street, Key West, Florida.

Sales in the City

I have received e-mails and phone calls from potential buyers asking about specific properties I have mentioned here as being buying opportunities. Two separate properties just closed that I had written about, so I decided to let you see how the market acted.

1103 Virginia was wild. It was a bank foreclosure and was listed at $499,900. GO HERE to read what I wrote about the property. What I did not write is that I showed it to several potential buyers, two of which were interested. I told each buyer to go to the City offices to investigate how the City would respond to certain legal issues that affect that property. The prior owner allegedly renovated large parts of the house without building permits and the City had imposed a huge fine on the property. There was also a theoretical possibility that the City would require that the covered parking be removed since it was constructed without permit and in violation of HARC rules that disallows such structures in HARC areas. I also did not write about my observation of building code violations regarding the structure itself. I'm no contractor, but there were many problems with the work the prior owner did. And I questioned how difficult it would be to obtain a certificate of occupancy given those problems.

The listing broker told me she had 5 or 6 written offers within the first few days the property was listed. The property went contingent 14 days from the listing date. It listed for $499,900 and sold for $606,500--$106,600 more than the listing price.
The sales price could be real sweet, or it could be problematic.

831 Johnson Lane is a totally different property. What a beautiful group of cottages that make up such a delightful place to call home. The property was listed at $1,295,000, reduced to $1,195,000, and just sold for $1,100,000 or $556 per sq ft. The property is not typical of Key West, yet nothing is. But the price may be a good benchmark for future sales of quaint homes with pools. Works for me. CLICK HERE to read what I wrote about the house before it sold.

If you snooze you lose. The nice houses are gonna get purchased. The dogs are gonna get purchased as well. Somebody will buy everything. For a price. Someday the market will return. And new millions will be made off of the losses of others.

612 Griffin Lane Old Town Key West

612 Griffin Lane is a throwback to the old days of Key West, before the invasion of the renovators. The Five Brothers Grocery sits at the corner of Grinnell and Southard Streets. Midway down Southard is the Southard Square Condominium development. Griffin Lane is immediately to the east of Southard Square. It runs about 250 feet to the south where it dead ends. To get to 612 Griffin Lane you must walk down a fence pathway an additional 150 feet or so. But when you get there, you are immediately transported to another era.

CLICK HERE for more detailed info and additional photos of this development property that the listing Realtor describes this way: This is a true 'Old Town Hide-away'. It's a 'Diamond in the Rough' with great location! Secluded, 4255 sq ft lot at end of walking lane in heart of Old Town. Residence is 1/1 with loft and open den/kitchen. Must see this one to appreciate location, lot size & seclusion. Sale subject to Court approval due to estate being settled out of a trust. Being sold AS IS. This is NOT an bankruptcy, distress sale or short sale.

This property is being offered at $716,800 or $553 per sq ft. The lot is 4255 sq ft which is roughly 70' x 60'. The pathway to the house is deeded: it is not an easement. One of the negatives about this property is also one of its major features and that is its secret location. Any renovation will necessarily require the renovator to carry all demolished items out and carry all tools, lumber, fixtures,etc. down that little path. But once the renovation is done, the place reverts back to an exclusive enclave. I think there is more than adequate land to permit a good sized pool and gardens. This could be a really neat little project house.

Want to see this house. Call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or e-mail me at kw1101v@aol.com for more info.

Key West Cottage--Only $10,500

A Key West Cottage for only $10,500. There must be a catch, you say.

Every once in a while a deal comes along that just makes doggone good sense. This may be the time for you to expand your horizons by shrinking your expectations.

This lovely little cottage is painted in island colors and even has air conditioning. Granted, it is a bit smaller than most cottages (it is only six-by-eight foot). But it is truly a hand-crafted, Key West-style pastel blue cottage and is perfect for the fun-loving with a whimsical side. It comes fully furnished with a turquoise, yellow and white décor—complete with artwork, area rugs, a brushed suede couch, pillows, TV/DVD player, toys, front porch, electricity, air-conditioning, operable windows and a hand-built door that locks and features a shingled roof, designer ceramic tile floors, and custom-trim work. There is also a flat-screen TV with canine-friendly DVD collection, and designer toys by Hot Diggity Dog and Chewy Vuitton.

The Cottage that will have your neighbors howling at your real estate acumen. The price is subject to change, so act quickly. CLICK HERE and scroll down to get more info. Land not included, however.

And on that rare occasion you and your mate are on the outs and are fighting like dogs and cats, you could take refuge in your Key West Cottage. Or maybe you might just want to rent it out on the sly (I am sure you won't be able to obtain a non-transient residential occupancy license form the city). You could probably get $800 or $900 per month in rent. But you'll have to figure out something about the bathroom facilities.

If you are looking for a cottage that is a little larger than the one shown above, checkout the Key West mls CLICK HERE then give me a call to set up a showing. 305-766-2642.